Evans Incorporated

Exercise on Productivity

We’ve all heard that exercise increases productivity, but how much exercise are we talking about? Because we all know time is a factor! Well… Good news! It turns out less is more when it comes to working out. No need to have those grueling workouts to get the boost you’re looking for!

Read more in this Thrive in Five to learn the pros and cons to exercising during the work day!

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Less is More

Exercise has many benefits which we’re sure you’ve heard of, but here’s a quick re-cap from Healthline:

It strengthens your muscles and bone (yes, bone!)

It reduces your risk of chronic diseases

It helps slow aging in your skin

It improves your capacity to memorize

It helps you relax and sleep better

It can help reduce chronic pain

It releases endorphins making you feel happier

What you might be surprised to learn is that more is not always better when it comes to exercise.

If your goal is to sleep better or combat insomnia, then vigorous exercise is great! However, if your goal is to increase your energy and mood, then vigorous exercise can have the opposite effect.

Productivityist.com mentions a couple studies that support this statement. One showed that low-intensity exercise reduced feelings of being tired more than high-intensity exercise. They mention another study as well that found that high-intensity exercise (cycling, in this case) actually reduced the person’s attention, memory and problem-solving abilities immediately after exercise, and these effects continued for more than 20 minutes after exercise was stopped.

Key takeaways:

If you have a lot to get done, don’t do a really intense work out before or in the middle of your workday – it will actually wipe you out.

Low-intensity exercise is best if you’re looking for a pick-me-up from the after-lunch coma routine – try walking or yoga!

Apply the Five!

No surprises here… your “homework” is to exercise! We’re not going to ask that you workout every day for 30 minutes, even though that’s what is recommended by most physicians. Instead, all we ask is that you make a conscious effort to increase your exercise when possible.

Here are a handful of helpful tips to get you started:

Park in the spaces furthest from your destination.

Use the stairs instead.

Step in place during commercials.

Walk to dinner and back if possible.

Walk for 5 minutes every hour.

Take the long way to the office bathroom.

Walk the dog instead of just letting him or her out to use the bathroom.

Get up and walk around during phone calls.

Learn How Evans Thrives!

What better way to inspire you to thrive than to hear about real people making it happen? And what better way to learn about Evans than to make those real people Evans employees and partners?

Meet Ryan Burke!

Even Achilles surgery doesn’t keep Ryan from getting “the zoomies”!

“I need you to live until you’re 90”. My wife seems to speak these words nearly every week. But in today’s world full of stress and numerous vices, how can someone make such a request? Sure, if I were to eat and drink the way nutritionists recommend, and couple that with a strict workout routine, I would no doubt be looking like a fitness model. But I’d also be broke, bored, and missing out on so many of the wonderful things this world has to offer.

I enjoy food. I enjoy drinks. I enjoy stuffing my face at midnight while binge watching Netflix and drinking eggnog that clocks in around 800 calories per glass. So how does one stay (relatively) fit while also enjoying the things they love?

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you… the zero-sum game.

The idea is simple: workout to offset the terrible things you love. T he key is to find a workout routine that excites you and finding a time that works best with your schedule. Some of us have more energy in the morning, while others prefer to hit the gym after work. The internet is filled with hundreds of workout plans that fit your lifestyle; all you have to do is search. Find something that combines free weights and cardio, and start hitting the gym. The hardest part is pushing through the excuses of being tired, or too busy, etc. It helps to find a buddy who will push you through your workout, but if you commit yourself to working out on a regular basis, you’ll be enjoying those milkshakes in no time.

And if anyone is looking for a workout partner, or someone to yell at them throughout a workout, give me a call.

Until Next Time…
Evans’ Talent Engagement Team
(Kaitlin Hurley and Nicole Anderson)